Funding approved for downtown dog park

Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan interacts with a puppy at a recent pet adoption event. Ryan was among those that pushed for county funding for a dog park in Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park.

Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan interacts with a puppy at a recent pet adoption event. Ryan was among those that pushed for county funding for a dog park in Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park. (Submitted photo)

Some local four-legged friends will soon have their own space to run free in Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park. Broward county commissioners recently approved $50,000 toward its construction.

"It's got matching funding from Fort Lauderdale and the residents in the neighborhood of Victoria Park have themselves raised $36,000 toward this," said Commissioner Tim Ryan, who brought the request to the county.

Total costs are estimated at $132,570. Completion is expected by the end of the year.

Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Dean Trantalis said a dog park will be a boon for those living in the urban neighborhoods near the downtown core.

"Many people are living in homes that don't have yards, and yet this is a dog lover's city," Trantalis said. "It's incumbent upon city government to help people and find places dogs can walk and at same time keep the city clean."

Plans for the 1.4-acre parcel northeast of the War Memorial Auditorium show separate areas for large and small animals. Amenities include benches, a water fountain, pet play fixtures and waste stations.

Victoria Park Civic Association members sparked the drive for a dog park more than two years ago.

"Without a doubt the civic association led effort from beginning to end," said civic association president Andrew Gordon. Forming a partnership Trantalis and city officials brought the plan to fruition.

The local group worked to solve issues such as locating the park away from busy streets and nearby residences.

"We think it will be a great neighborhood asset for Victoria Park," Gordon said.

Holiday Park is located on 94 acres of land on the south side of Sunrise Boulevard, just east of Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Currently, dogs are not allowed.

The park will also add a social element to the area as well.

"Dog parks are often for people rather than dogs," Trantalis said. "They're a great place to gather and interact with people who live around your neighborhood."